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Villagers bully K24bn investor

Thanzi Chicks Limited in Lilongwe has come under siege from what appears to be a coordinated community vandalism and theft that has cost the firm in excess of K450 million out of their K24 billion venture, it has emerged.

The poultry business investment, which claims to have invested K24 billion in the farms located in Nsaru and Msundwe in Lilongwe, has since sought the intervention of the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).

Part of the vandalised area on the farm | Courtesy of Thanzi Farm

In the letter dated January 7 2025, Thanzi Chicks managing director Raj Munangi alleges that the criminal acts came after they refused to yield to what they call “unreasonable and extortionate demands” from some traditional leaders in the area.

Reads the letter: “We want to register our grave concern at this criminal conduct and the serious potential that it has for scaring away investors in the country.

“Clearly, no investor should feel compelled to undertake any act of charity in the areas where they invest, other than those that are consistent with own corporate social responsibility [CSR] strategy.”

OPC spokesperson Rober t Kalindiza, in a written response, acknowledged receipt of the letter from Thanzi Chicks seeking intervention, saying: “It [the complaint] is being acted on.”

But in separate interviews, chiefs from both Nsaru and Msundwe said they held meetings with the firm’s management on December 27 and 31 2024 where a list of demands was presented for consideration.

The Nation accessed the list containing names of chiefs who attended and their demands included monthly allowances for village heads, complementary chickens, rice and drinks during the festive season as well as cultural events. The list also contains a commitment for financial responsibility for all funerals in the surrounding areas and unrestricted access to manure.

The meeting with village heads in Nsaru took place on December 27 2024 when community members ransacked the farm after chiefs and the firm’s management failed to reach an agreement on these demands.

In an interview yesterday, group village head Chinyama, who led the delegation of chiefs to the meeting at the farm, said the mob was organised by one of the chiefs under his jurisdiction who felt entitled to the firm’s resources because it is in his area.

He said he reported the matter to police who arrested the chief and four others.

Chinyama said the chief in question for unknown reasons mobilised community members to terrorise the farm.

The firm said a similar scenario unfolded at its Msundwe Farm on New Year’s Eve where chiefs issued similar demands, with the added condition that the community should dictate the farm’s hiring decisions.

Munangi said the mobs descended on the farm after the demands were turned down, stealing a 1 000-metre electric fence and vandalising the gate and chicken facilities.

In an interview, Senior Chief M’bwatalika, in whose area the farm is located, confirmed the incident and called it unfortunate considering the economic benefit of the investment to her area and the country at large.

“I have spoken to the chiefs involved and I am working on having a meeting between the chiefs and the investor,” she said.

According to Munangi, both estates, the 120-acre Nsaru Farm and the 50-acre Msundwe Farm represent a combined investment of $14 million (about K24 billion) and employ over 300 people from local communities.

He expressed frustration and despair over the recurring attacks calling for investigations that will address the issue and inspire confidence in other willing investors.

Said Munangi: “We cannot speak of wealth creation and economic growth if investors are left vulnerable to extortion and destruction.

“We need help to safeguard our investments and protect the livelihoods we support.”

Tensions between communities and investors have been a recurrent occurrence in some parts of the country, with macadamia producers, among others, facing cases of theft.

In a bid to contain the situation, in some areas investors and community leaders have formed working committees to strike win-win situations where the community benefits through income generating initiatives.

Police had not responded to The Nation questionnaire on the Lilongwe issue.

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